PA

 The family of missing Madeleine McCann have posted a Christmas message on their website asking the public if they 'hold the missing piece of the puzzle' in their daughter's disappearance.

Kate and Gerry McCann thanked their supporters for their help over the past year, and said they will be moving into 2012 with "renewed energy and continued hope".

Next to a picture of their little daughter with jigsaw shaped pieces missing, Kate and Gerry wrote:

"It's Christmas - again. A time of mixed emotions for our family and many others in similar positions around the world. A time to hold together."

Findmadeleine.com 

They went on to say, "our search for Madeleine and the Metropolitan Police review of the case are progressing well" - perhaps in response to the eight 'important leads' that Spanish private detectives handed over to Scotland Yard last week.

The couple also praised the Government's Missing Children and Adults Strategy, saying:

"This December saw a landmark event for the protection of, and support for, missing children and their families left behind.

"The Government's Missing Children and Adults' Strategy aims to reduce the number of people who go missing; to protect the missing whilst they are away and to give families access to support, similar to victims of crime. The strategy follows 12 months of campaigning by individuals and organisations like the charity Missing People." 

They ended by asking everyone to keep Madeleine in their prayers over Christmas.